ILOILO CITY – A business group here and province of Iloilo have expressed alarm over the impact of the Middle East tension to the country.
“We are particularly bothered by the ripple effects of rising fuel costs, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty that directly affect our members and the broader business sector,” said the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo led by Jerduen “Noi” Dongor on Tuesday, March 3.
The PCCI-Iloilo urged the government to step up interventions that can cushion the negative impact, especially to micro, small, and medium enterprises.
“Interventions may include fuel stabilization mechanisms, logistics support, access to affordable financing, and responsive trade and labor assistance programs to protect both businesses and workers,” they said.
The PCCI-Iloilo is worried about the safety of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), following the death of a Filipina caregiver in Israel during an attack.
“Their safety and welfare remain paramount. Beyond their personal security, we recognize that many Filipino families and local economies depend on remittances from OFWs, and any disruption has significant social and economic consequences,” noted PCCI-Iloilo.